KEA Horticulture Department Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 85 Assistant Horticulture Officer & Assistant Horticulture Director Posts
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), in association with the Horticulture Department, has invited online applications for the recruitment of 85 vacancies for the posts of Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director. This recruitment drive offers a valuable opportunity for candidates with qualifications in Horticulture who are looking for a government job in Karnataka.
The vacancies are available under both the Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) and Kalyana Karnataka (KK) Cadre. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official KEA recruitment portal within the prescribed dates.
Candidates interested in these positions should carefully check the educational qualification, age limit, salary, application fee, selection process and other requirements before submitting their applications.
KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The recruitment is being conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) for vacancies in the Karnataka Horticulture Department. The appointments will be made through direct recruitment.
- Recruiting Organisation: Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) and Horticulture Department
- Name of Posts: Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director
- Total Vacancies: 85
- Job Location: Karnataka
- Application Mode: Online
- Selection Process: Competitive Examination and Document Verification
- Application Start Date: August 5, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: August 30, 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: August 31, 2026
- Competitive Examination: Date will be announced later
KEA Horticulture Vacancy Details
A total of 85 vacancies have been announced under the Horticulture Department. The post-wise vacancy details are as follows:
| Post | Cadre | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Horticulture Officer | Residual Parent Cadre | 75 |
| Assistant Horticulture Director | Residual Parent Cadre | 5 |
| Assistant Horticulture Director | Kalyana Karnataka Cadre | 5 |
| Total | 85 |
Candidates should carefully check the cadre-wise eligibility requirements before applying.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification varies depending on the post.
Assistant Horticulture Officer
Candidates applying for the Assistant Horticulture Officer post must have completed a degree in Horticulture from a university established by law in India and recognised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Therefore, candidates should ensure that their Horticulture degree meets the recognition requirements specified in the recruitment notification.
Assistant Horticulture Director
For the Assistant Horticulture Director post, candidates are required to possess a Postgraduate Degree in Horticulture from an ICAR-recognised university along with a B.Sc. in Horticulture.
Candidates who do not meet the prescribed educational qualifications should not apply, as their candidature may be rejected during the recruitment process.
Age Limit
Candidates must have completed at least 18 years of age as of the prescribed date mentioned in the recruitment notification.
The maximum age limit, including the one-time relaxation applicable as per government orders, is given below:
- General Merit candidates: Up to 40 years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B candidates: Up to 43 years
- SC, ST and Category-1 candidates: Up to 45 years
Additional age relaxation will be applicable to eligible candidates according to government rules. Ex-servicemen may receive relaxation equivalent to their period of service plus three years. Persons with disabilities and widows may receive up to 10 years of age relaxation, subject to the applicable rules.
Candidates are advised to verify their age eligibility before completing the application.
Salary Details
Selected candidates will receive a government salary according to the applicable pay scale.
The salary details are:
- Assistant Horticulture Officer: ₹65,950 to ₹1,24,900 per month
- Assistant Horticulture Director: ₹69,250 to ₹1,34,200 per month
Selected candidates will be required to undergo a two-year probationary period. The posts will also come under the National Pension System (NPS) as applicable.
The attractive pay scale, government benefits and career growth opportunities make these posts a good option for eligible Horticulture graduates and postgraduates.
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay the prescribed application fee online. The fee structure is as follows:
- General Merit and Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B: ₹750, including ₹500 application fee and ₹250 processing fee
- SC, ST, Category-1, Ex-Servicemen and Third Gender candidates: ₹500, including ₹250 application fee and ₹250 processing fee
- Persons with Disabilities: ₹250, towards processing fee
Candidates applying for both the Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director posts must pay an additional ₹100 for the additional post.
The application fee once paid will not be refunded under normal circumstances.
How to Apply for KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Karnataka Examination Authority.
Step 2: Find and select the link related to the Horticulture Department Recruitment 2026.
Step 3: Register or log in and enter all required personal, educational and contact details carefully.
Step 4: Upload the required photograph and signature in the prescribed format and file size.
The recent passport-size photograph should have a white background and should generally be between 50 KB and 200 KB. The scanned signature made with a black pen on white paper should be between 50 KB and 70 KB, as specified.
Step 5: Pay the applicable application fee through the online payment gateway.
Step 6: Carefully verify all the information entered in the application form and submit it.
Candidates should download or print a copy of the submitted application and fee payment details for future reference.
Selection Process
The selection process will be conducted by KEA and will include a competitive examination followed by document verification.
Competitive Examination
The examination may be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) or OMR-based offline mode.
The competitive examination consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 – General Knowledge: 100 questions carrying 300 marks, with a duration of 2 hours
- Paper 2 – Specific Paper: 100 questions carrying 300 marks
Candidates should prepare thoroughly for both general knowledge and the subject-specific portion of the examination.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking in the competitive examination. 0.75 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Candidates appearing for the OMR examination should also carefully follow the instructions regarding unanswered questions and the fifth option provided on the answer sheet.
Kannada Language Test
A mandatory Kannada Language Test will be applicable to candidates who are not exempted under the prescribed rules.
Candidates who have studied Kannada as their first or second language in the SSLC examination will be exempted from the Kannada Language Test.
Candidates who are not eligible for exemption must appear for the 150-mark Kannada Language Test and secure at least 50 marks to qualify.
Document Verification
Candidates who secure the required minimum marks in the competitive examination will be considered for further selection based on merit.
Candidates obtaining at least 35% marks in the competitive examination and meeting the other eligibility requirements may be shortlisted for original document verification.
Candidates should keep all original educational, caste/category, age and other relevant documents ready when called for verification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Begins | August 5, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | August 30, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | August 31, 2026 |
| Competitive Examination Date | To be announced |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in KEA Horticulture Recruitment 2026?
A total of 85 vacancies are available for Assistant Horticulture Officer and Assistant Horticulture Director posts.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is August 30, 2026. The last date for fee payment is August 31, 2026.
What qualification is required for Assistant Horticulture Officer?
Candidates must possess a degree in Horticulture from an eligible ICAR-recognised university.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. 0.75 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer in the competitive examination.
Can the application fee be paid offline?
No. The application fee must be paid through the prescribed online payment method.
Conclusion
The KEA Horticulture Department Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for eligible Horticulture graduates and postgraduates seeking government employment in Karnataka. With 85 vacancies, attractive salary scales and opportunities for career growth, eligible candidates should carefully review the official notification and complete the online application before the deadline.
Candidates are advised to enter their details accurately, upload documents in the prescribed format and retain a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference. The competitive examination date will be announced separately by KEA.
Important Links
Website link : Click here
Notification PDF RPC : click here
Notification PDF KK : click here
Online application Link : click here
“I’m Shrinivas, a Kannada blogger, digital marketer, and insurance advisor. I hold an MA degree and have 4+ years of experience in customer support and relationship management. I create simple and practical content on self-improvement, career growth, and government schemes to help people make better life and financial decisions.”